Bursary/Access Fund

1. Introduction 
The constitution of tPCA seeks to be inclusive, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive and tPCA recognises the value and the human rights of all people, regardless of culture, religious affiliation, ethnicity, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, financial or social standing, educational attainment or special needs.  To this end, the tPCA is committed to broadening access to conferences by offering a financial contribution (Bursary - renamed Access Fund) to support the attendance of people who otherwise could not afford to attend. The aim is to provide three access funds per conference.

2. Scope 
This policy applies to anyone wishing to attend any tPCA conference who may not be able to attend due to their financial circumstance. 

3. Resources for the Access Fund
3.1 The Access Fund is a restricted fund created by donations from members and fundraising activities.  Monies left over in the Access Fund at the end of the financial year will contribute towards the Access Fund in the following financial year. 

3.2 The Access Fund offering will be subject to an annual review by the Trustees, and consideration will be made of  the  number of conferences being offered that year and the amount in the Fund.    Whenever possible, the Trustees will try to offer three Access Funds for each event, with two being for tPCA members only. In the case of insufficient funds, the Trustees may increase the fund using central income or may reduce the number of Access Funds to two for members only or the amount of each fund.

4.  Requesting an Access Fund
4.1 Access Fund will be advertised in the conference information on the Events section of tPCA website.  Requests for Access Funds will not be accepted prior to this announcement. 

4.2 Requests for an Access Fund should be submitted by email to tPCA Administrator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).  The email must state the conference for which the applicant would like the Access Fund.  Applicants are not required to explain why they need to apply to the fund. The tPCA trusts that people apply for the Access Fund due to personal financial limitations.   The administrator will reply within 14 days of the application. 

4.3 The Access Funds are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.  If one is available, it will be granted. If all Access Funds have been allocated,  the applicant will be informed that they have not been successful in obtaining an Access Fund on this occasion. 

4.4  A successful applicant will not be considered for an Access Fund for another conference in the same financial year or any conference in the next financial year.